Bo Goldman, the talented writer responsible for the renowned scripts of “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Melvin and Howard,” has passed away at the age of 90. His son-in-law, director Todd Field, confirmed that Goldman died on July 25, 2023, in Helendale, California. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Goldman’s journey to success in Hollywood was not an easy one. It wasn’t until his 40s, after struggling as a playwright, that he found his breakthrough in the film industry. In 1975, he adapted Ken Kesey’s novel “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” for the big screen. This film, directed by Miloš Forman and starring Jack Nicholson, received critical acclaim and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, as well as Best Adapted Screenplay for Goldman and co-writer Lawrence Hauben.
Five years later, Goldman won another Oscar for his screenplay of Jonathan Demme’s “Melvin and Howard.” This film was based on the true story of Melvin Dummar, an unfortunate gas station owner from Utah who claims to be a beneficiary of Howard Hughes’ estate. These screenplays, along with others such as “Shoot the Moon,” “The Rose,” and “Scent of a Woman,” solidified Goldman’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s finest writers, alongside greats like Billy Wilder and Paddy Chayefsky.
Goldman considered himself a dramatist who happened to write screenplays. According to him, his work aimed to make characters feel real and capture their lives on the screen. He saw film as a unique medium for depicting life and believed there was nothing more fulfilling than seeing his view of life realized in art.
Born on September 10, 1932, in New York, Goldman grew up in the shadow of his father, a once-wealthy businessman who lost everything in the Wall Street crash of 1929. Despite his family’s financial downfall, Goldman was determined to carve his own path. After serving in World War II, he pursued a career in writing, starting with his debut play “First Impressions.” However, it was a long and arduous journey to success, with numerous rejections and financial struggles along the way.
Goldman’s first taste of success in Hollywood came with the film adaptation of his play “Shoot the Moon,” followed by the critical success of “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Despite his achievements, Goldman remained humble and somewhat surprised by his own success.
In addition to his notable works, Goldman also contributed to other films such as “Little Nikita,” “The Flamingo Kid,” and “Dick Tracy.” He received his final credit as a story contributor in Warren Beatty’s “Rules Don’t Apply” in 2016.
Goldman’s talent, audacious originality, and understanding of social mores were praised by fellow screenwriter Eric Roth in 2017. However, Goldman often spoke of the challenges and constant tension that come with being a screenwriter, noting that filmmakers hold all the cards.
Bo Goldman is survived by his four daughters, one son, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His wife passed away in 2017, and he also experienced the loss of his son Jesse in 1981. Despite the ups and downs of his career, Goldman’s impact on the film industry is undeniable, and his work will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
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